Courses

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About NUI Galway

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Course Overview

This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by NUI Galway and the University of Limerick (UL). The course meets the needs of those graduates with continued interest in a sustainability-based taught MSc and responds to market demands for graduates with more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. The course aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience required to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably.

The 12-month long course comprises new modules taught only at postgraduate level and aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. The course will help develop government policy and economic recovery by producing top quality graduates who can contribute to a smart economy and hasten implementation of green technologies. Given the pressure on and competition for limited resources, the course applies an evidence based approach to developing solutions for all system users. Graduates will become technically fluent in selected environmental science theory, policy development, implementation and best practice.

Programme Objectives:

a. To integrate an international perspective to reflect new research findings and current practice in sustainable use of resources that can be applied within Ireland and elsewhere.b. To provide research-led learning opportunities that will develop skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.c. To provide Irish expertise to meet legal obligations.

Requirements and Assessment

Semesters One and Two entail formal scientific and policy coursework. The delivery format comprises lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students undertake group projects and prepare written reports, and oral presentations for continuous assessment. There are no exams.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

At least a Second Class Honours primary degree (Level 8—National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in an appropriate discipline, or a professional or other equivalent qualification recognised by both the University of Limerick and NUI Galway.

Appropriate disciplines include Environmental Sciences/Engineering or Geography/Biological Sciences/Ecology and Earth Sciences. Mature students with relevant experience are most welcome to apply. A strong personal statement demonstrating interest in the course is also essential as this will be considered as part of the application. Applicants may be required to attend for interview.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

Closing Date

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

Not applicable

Course Outline

This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. This new course combines scene setting lectures by experts (including guest seminars), site visits and experiential learning to encourage students to adopt an informed, creative, innovatory and entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. As the course is structured around research in both institutions that is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with necessary skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.

Semesters 1 and 2 are devoted to formal scientific and policy coursework consisting primarily of lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students are expected to carry out group projects and to prepare written reports, oral and other presentations for continous assessment.

Students undertake a research project at either institution during Semester 3 (30 ECTS).

Modules
for 2015-16

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases). Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits

You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.

Optional

A module you may choose to study.

Required

A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).

Semester

Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1
(90 Credits)

Required EV602: Ecosystems Assessment

EV602: Ecosystems Assessment

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module introduces students to ecosystem terminology and the key techniques used to assess ecosystems from a number of different perspectives i.e. geology, hydrology, soils, biodiversity, etc. As part of the assessment, students undertake a variety of fieldwork techniques used to appraise the status of plant &amp; animal communities in Ireland. Emphasis is placed on relating the connections between these parameters with a view to producing an overall integrated ecosystem assessment procedure.

Learning Outcomes

identify a range of habitats and associated ecosystems,

inspect and assess a range of ecosystem types

appraise and relate different parameters that comprise an ecosystem to construct an ecological audit of a site,

"Habitat Management for Conservation A Handbook of Techniques." by Ausden, M.Publisher: Oxford University Press

The above information outlines module EV602: "Ecosystems Assessment"
and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EV603: Biodiversity & Conservation

EV603: Biodiversity &amp; Conservation

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores the design and implementation of effective and sustainable biodiversity policy. Students will gain competencies in critiquing the role of nature conservation legislation as a driver of effective policy while taking cognisance of the role of stakeholders in implementing good practice. Special reference will be made to the need to develop better linkages between emerging research, policy makers and practitioners to inform evidence based policy and practice.

Learning Outcomes

Identify the factors that influence the design of sustainable and effective policy

Assess the impact of integrating policies and legislation on landscape ecosystems

"Wetlands of Ireland. Distribution, Ecology, Uses and Economic Value." by Otte, M.Publisher: University College Dublin Press.

The above information outlines module EV603: "Biodiversity &amp; Conservation"
and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EV6101: The Environment and Human Health

EV6101: The Environment and Human Health

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores the relationships between environment, biodiversity and health. Students become competent in assessing key aspects of environmental quality. Students evaluate linkages between emerging research, policy makers and practitioners at international and European levels to inform evidence based policy and practice in relation to health and environment.(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

Assess the key aspects of environmental quality and interactions between environment, health and wellbeing

Critically appraise existing evidence in relation to benefits to health from the environment

Evaluate the provision of green spaces and benefits to health

Critique the effectiveness of governmental policies and legislation to benefit human health and wellbeing in relation to the environment.

Reading List

The above information outlines module EV6101: "The Environment and Human Health"
and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EV604: Environmental problems & Solutions

EV604: Environmental problems &amp; Solutions

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module utilises case studies to focus on environmental problems and their solutions. It explores best practice in the use of mitigation strategies to ameliorate environmental damage. Special reference will be made to the complexities in solving environmental problems (e.g. social, economic &amp; cultural factors and environmental policy drivers). Particular emphasis will be placed on enhancing student competences to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental problems.(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

Differentiate between good and poor environmental practice relating to a range of developments.

Required UL_ER6003: Research Project (UL)

UL_ER6003: Research Project (UL)

Semester 2 | Credits: 30

This module is undertaken by the student during the summer (trimester 3). The student carries out an individual research project from a list provided by co-ordinators. The student will write up the research according to the requirements of an appropriate journal or as a manual.

Learning Outcomes

Apply appropriate laboratory and field methodologies skills to the project

Develop expertise in experimental design and planning skills

Acquire good practice in data recording skills

Become skilled at suitable scientific data analyses evaluate, examine and understand research area

Synthesise current thinking and apply it to the research project

Write a scientific paper based on research project according to appropriate journal

Present oral and written scientific presentations.

Assessments

Continuous Assessment (58%)

Research (42%)

The above information outlines module UL_ER6003: "Research Project (UL)"
and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6012: Urban Form & Transport (UL)

UL_ER6012: Urban Form &amp; Transport (UL)

Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments

Continuous Assessment (100%)

The above information outlines module UL_ER6012: "Urban Form &amp; Transport (UL)"
and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6022: Urban Household Sustainability (UL)

UL_ER6022: Urban Household Sustainability (UL)

Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments

Continuous Assessment (100%)

The above information outlines module UL_ER6022: "Urban Household Sustainability (UL)"
and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required UL_ER6032: Sustainable Life Cycle Engineering (UL)

UL_ER6032: Sustainable Life Cycle Engineering (UL)

Semester 2 | Credits:

Assessments

Continuous Assessment (100%)

The above information outlines module UL_ER6032: "Sustainable Life Cycle Engineering (UL)"
and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Opportunities exist within the green economy as governments, NGOs and corporations must work to meet environmental targets set under international obligations. Graduates work in the following areas: industry-based environmental management, environmental analysis, environmental consultancy, agri-environmental advice, waste management policy, environmental quality control, consultancy-based climate change research, or as researchers, or for non-governmental conservation organisations and local authorities.